Thailand’s fishing industry faces collapse as rising diesel prices – potentially increasing by 10 Thai baht (31 cents) per liter – threaten to idle half of the country’s 9,000-vessel fleet, making fishing trips financially unsustainable for small-scale operators.
Seafood prices are projected to skyrocket, with fuel stations refusing to fill portable containers, leaving many boats stranded and livelihoods at risk. Industry leaders urgently demand government intervention to prevent supply chain disruptions and economic fallout.
Global oil market volatility, worsened by Middle East conflicts, is driving the crisis. Even Thailand’s subsidized “green diesel” may not offset rising costs, with operators facing an additional 7,000 to 10,000 baht ($217 to $310) per trip if prices exceed 30 baht (93 cents) per liter.
Fuel rationing policies intended to prevent hoarding have paralyzed small fishermen who rely on portable containers, unlike large trawlers with onboard tanks. Fishermen plead for exemptions to avoid financial ruin and seafood shortages.
Broader economic risks loom, including rising seafood costs for restaurants, declining tourism appeal and cascading disruptions to Thailand’s food security and coastal economies. Without policy changes, the crisis could trigger widespread economic hardship.
The escalating cost of diesel, compounded by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, has left Thailand’s fishing industry in crisis – with half of its 9,000-vessel fleet expected to remain docked in the coming weeks.
Read Full Article: https://www.naturalnews.com/2026-03-15-diesel-shortages-hikes-threaten-thailand-fishing-industry.html
